Can I represent myself in court in BC?

Yes. Many people represent themselves in court, especially in small claims, family, or tribunal matters. However, court rules and procedures can be complicated, so preparation is important.

These websites from Justice Education Society (JES) provide Online Help Guides to assist people to learn about court processes, forms, and preparing for court.

• Family Law in BC (opens in a new tab): Dedicated to family law issues such as divorce, separation, parenting, and child support. Includes practical tools like a separation agreement builder and a series of guides to help British Columbians move through separation and divorce processes.
• SmallClaimsBC.ca (opens in a new tab): Explains the Small Claims Court process in BC, including how to start a claim, respond to one, and resolve disputes involving money or property.
• SupremeCourtBC.ca (opens in a new tab): Provides step-by-step guidance, forms, and resources for people representing themselves in civil or family cases in the BC Supreme Court. Also includes information related to criminal law cases heard by the court.
• CourtofAppealBC.ca (opens in a new tab): Offers information on the appeal process in BC’s highest court, including timelines, rules, forms, and tips for self-represented litigants.
• AdminLawBC.ca (opens in a new tab): Helps people understand their rights when dealing with government agencies and tribunals, including how to make complaints, prepare for hearings and appeal decisions.

You can find resources for self represented litigants at the Nation Self Represented LItigants Project (opens in a new tab). You can also learn more at BCcourts.ca (opens in a new tab) and the BC Provincial Court (opens in a new tab) website.

See "Which BC court will hear my case? (opens in a new tab)". Use Ask JES to get answers to your legal questions.